Annual Youth Birding Competition

What is it?

The Youth Birding Competition is a 24-hour birding event during the peak of spring migration. Youth teams spend the day finding as many species as they can as they compete against teams their own age. The competition is capped off with a wildlife show and awards banquet.

When is it?

The 2017 event is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29, to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Teams can use as much of this 24-hour period as they like, as long as they cross the finish line and turn in their list by 5 p.m. April 30. Registration will open in late 2016. Read about this year's event, held April 22-23.

Why start at 5 p.m.?

This allows younger or more low-key teams to look for owls in the evening rather than get up at midnight. It also allows older crazier teams to bird the coast that evening and then work up to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on the next day.

Where is it?

Visit as much or as little of the state of Georgia as you want, just make it to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center by 5 p.m. April 30 to turn in your list. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is in Mansfield, Ga., about one hour east of Atlanta (locator map). All events will be at the Conference Center Banquet Hall (map).

Do you need to be an expert?

No! We can pair your team with an experienced birder (mentor) to help you learn about the birds before the competition. (Please note that during the competition, only youth participants can identify birds.)

Who does it benefit?

Your team can use this event to raise money for the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund – the main fund for the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division's Nongame Conservation Section – or for the conservation organization of your choice.

Are there prizes?

Of course! For each age group (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12th grades) teams will compete for the most birds seen and the most money raised. Grand prizes include new binoculars for the team finding the most birds. There will be door prizes for almost all of the participants.

How much does it cost?

Participation is absolutely FREE, unless you plan to spend the night at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, in which case lodging costs will be factored.

How can you learn more?

What's this about Twitter and Instagram?

Teams can share photos and updates on what birds they’re seeing or hearing on Twitter and Instagram. Simply tweet your photos or post them on Instagram with the hashtag #YBC2017. Tag us on Twitter @GeorgiaWild and on Instagram @GeorgiaWildlife.

Georgia's Youth Birding Competition is primarily funded by The Environmental Resources Network Inc. (TERN), friends group of the Wildlife Resources Division's Nongame Conservation Section. For more information on TERN, including how to become a member, call (478) 994-1438 or visit http://tern.homestead.com